OCEANSIDE, Calif. -- Oceanside elementary schools are getting a reputation for being among the very best in the state.

The California Department of Education announced Wednesday that six more Oceanside School District have been honored with the "Distinguished School Award," an award that is granted to only 5 percent of schools statewide.

The schools participated in a competitive selection process that was based on the following:

academic improvement and expectations
leadership
teaching strategies
library, media and technology services
safe school culture

The schools receiving the award -- Christa McAuliffe, North Terrace, Palmquist, Reynolds, Santa Margarita and Stuart Mesa Elementary schools -- will hold the distinction for four years. The award is given to elementary and secondary schools on alternating years.

In addition to this year's winners, Oceanside Unified District is home to four other California Distinguished Schools.